2024 BMW X5 XDRIVE50E PHEV – DM REVIEW | TEST DRIVE

EV Channels Review

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e is presented as a highly capable, all-around vehicle, excelling in comfort, quietness, and versatility. The reviewer highlights its smooth ride, particularly with the adaptive air suspension, and praises the premium interior, advanced technology like iDrive 8.5, and the excellent Harman Kardon sound system. The plug-in hybrid system, combining an inline-6 engine with a 19.2 kWh battery, offers a claimed 40-45 miles of electric range, which the reviewer found sufficient for daily use even when charging on a 110V outlet. However, the primary critique revolves around the financial justification of the plug-in hybrid variant. With a significant price premium over the gasoline-only model, the reviewer calculates a 12.5-year payback period based on typical usage and home charging costs, suggesting it's difficult to recoup the extra expense purely on savings. While acknowledging potential benefits like tax incentives, free charging, or a desire for luxury, the reviewer ultimately questions the value proposition for the average buyer, recommending the standard X5 xDrive40i as a more financially sensible choice. Minor gripes include occasional jerkiness when accelerating from a stop and noticeable road noise from the 21-inch wheels and run-flat tires.